Nationals Gear Up for Spring Training in Florida

Everything fans need to know about the Nats' Grapefruit League action

Feb. 5, 2026 at 5:55pm

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The Washington Nationals are heading to West Palm Beach, Florida to prepare for the 2026 MLB season. This guide covers key details about the team's spring training, including the start dates for pitchers/catchers and full-squad workouts, the Nationals' shared facility with the Astros, notable prospect invitees, the spring training game schedule, and broadcast information.

Why it matters

Spring training is an important time for MLB teams to evaluate their rosters, get players back into game shape, and build chemistry ahead of the regular season. As one of the Nationals' division rivals, the details about their spring training preparations are relevant for fans and media covering the NL East.

The details

The Nationals' spring training facility is located at the CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches, which they share with the Houston Astros. Workouts for pitchers and catchers begin on Wednesday, February 12, while the first full-squad workout is scheduled for Monday, February 16. The team has invited several top prospects to major league camp, including right-handers Travis Sykora and Jarlin Susana, catcher Caleb Lomavita, infielders Seaver King and Yohandy Morales, and outfielder Andrew Pinckney.

  • The first workout for pitchers and catchers will be held on Wednesday, February 12.
  • The first full-squad workout will take place on Monday, February 16.
  • The Nationals will open Grapefruit League play on Saturday, February 21 with split-squad games against the Astros and Cardinals.
  • The team will host Team Venezuela in a World Baseball Classic exhibition game on Wednesday, March 4 at 6:05 p.m. ET.
  • The Nationals will wrap up Grapefruit League action on Saturday, March 21 with a 1:05 p.m. ET home game against the Mets.

The players

Foster Griffin

A southpaw pitcher the Nationals signed to a one-year contract.

Harry Ford

A catcher (No. 71 overall prospect per MLB Pipeline) acquired in a trade with the Mariners.

Griff McGarry

A right-handed pitcher selected by the Nationals in the Rule 5 Draft.

Travis Sykora

A right-handed pitcher (No. 54 overall prospect) invited to major league camp.

Jarlin Susana

A right-handed pitcher (No. 80 overall prospect) invited to major league camp.

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What’s next

The Nationals and Orioles will play back-to-back exhibition games after they return from Florida, with the first game on Sunday, March 22 at Oriole Park at Camden Yards and the second game on Monday, March 23 at Nationals Park.

The takeaway

The Nationals' spring training preparations will be closely watched as they look to build on their recent success and compete in the NL East in 2026. Fans will have plenty of opportunities to see the team in action, both at their shared facility in West Palm Beach and in exhibition games against division rivals.